"We believed in our idea - a family park where parents and children could have fun - together." - Walt Disney

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The First Step

I cannot believe that I am actually getting to type this news on my blog.

In two weeks, I am going to be auditioning for Disney Entertainment for a Character Performer/Lookalike role.

SERIOUSLY!

If any of you know ANYTHING about my dreams, you would know that my goal since I was a young girl has been to work for the Disney Company in entertainment. It has been the never ending dream that I just refuse to give up on. This dream of mine has actually altered my entire life.

As a child, I constantly wanted to dress up as the Disney princesses for Halloween (or any random day). We didn't have a lot of money, but my mom worked with a woman that could make costumes. I recall dressing up as Cinderella and Ariel when I was around 4-6 years old. I wanted to wear these outfits all around the house all day, every day. At age 4 I was obsessed with Ariel. A few years later it was Cinderella and Belle. When I was 8 or 9 I became absolutely infatuated with Pochohantas to the point that I had a Pocohantas comforter, pillows, and curtains. That was all I asked for for my birthday one year. I suppose the love for Disney princesses/female characters never left me since I still get goosebumps when Cinderella waves to me during a parade at Walt Disney World.

Soon after I graduated from high school, Matt (my husband) and I decided that we wanted to move to Orlando for me to pursue my dream. We had a place to live all lined up and a time-frame for the move. However, we ended up backing out of it for a few reasons. Leaving my mom has always been a huge fear of mine, and I felt as though the transition of me graduating and then just up and leaving would be a struggle for both of us. Matt and I feared not having enough money saved up to make it down there. It was sort of a rushed decision that we just didn't feel totally prepared for.

Fast forward a few years. Matt and I got married. I took a job at a bank and we bought a house, both of which I insisted would be temporary until we figured out the blueprint for the big move. It was always my goal... every second of every day, Disney was my goal. Somehow the years just flew by in a huge blur. Eventually, I learned that Matt had a secret fear of moving away from Michigan all together. This hit me like a ton of bricks and I had no idea how to handle it. We eventually worked through this and he's now totally on board with the move, and he understands that I HAVE to try and make this dream of mine possible. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try.

Even though quite a lot of time has passed since I could have started work at Disney, nothing has changed for me. The fire in my belly is still burning like crazy. I look very young still, and my body is in better shape than it has been in years. I feel so prepared for this upcoming audition. I have talked to many people that have worked for Disney, as well as a few who have actually been "friends" with characters in the parks.

Despite feeling prepared, I still feel haunted by self-doubt. I'm constantly criticizing myself, which is just awful. My inner critique is always, "your nose isn't symmetrical, your teeth aren't white enough, your eyebrows look weird, be careful of that arm fat." Clearly, I'm psyching myself out! I just have to be me, and either the casting directors like what they see, or they don't. I know I have it in me to be exactly what they are looking for... I just have to show them.

There are so many people encouraging me to audition and flooding me with positive energy. It's so great that Matt is supporting me and giving me advice. He keeps me grounded. He reminds me that there are other girls out there that want it just as badly as I do and are just as qualified, so I am going to have to work really hard at that audition. Of course, my mom is excited for me to finally get this opportunity, since she knows better than anyone how much this means to me.

My biggest cheerleader and inspiration for this experience is actually someone I've never even met in my life. I came in contact with her in such a strange way... YouTube. Rachel and her friend Jennifer made a video on YouTube talking about what it was like working for Disney as a character performer. Rachel is so incredibly positive that it is just infectious. You know how sometimes people tell you nice things, but you yourself have a hard time believing that they mean what they're saying? Yeah, this isn't like that. She so genuinely believes in me. I can't thank her enough for giving me that extra push and filling me with confidence.

Matt and I are still trying to sell our house. We recently got rid of our real estate agent, and have decided to sell the house on our own. This allows us to be more competitive with our asking price. Even if I got a position down in Florida right now, I would be able to accept it and have 6 months to get down there to work. That's a lot of time, and I'm sure with the proper motivation, we'd be able to get the house sold.

Sure, my heart races every single time I think about the audition, but I am SO SO SO ready! I'm bringing it, Disney!

2 comments:

Yay!!!! I will be praying! I know you would be great. My best friend lives out there, so please let me know if you need any info or direction. Her husband works for Disney and they have cast members to their house weekly for game nights and meals. You will be great and if its the right time you will be in Orlando in no time.